Acadia National Park

Coveside closed for the season on October 17, and after our annual “work weekend” with friends to winterize the inn, we took a short (two-night) trip to Bar Harbor for some R&R. We had hoped to hike trails in Acadia National Park and reacquaint ourselves with a region we haven’t had the chance to visit since we opened the bed and breakfast 13 years ago. The weather was pretty disappointing, however – steady rain during our only full day, and fog on our final morning.  We did manage a short (4 mile) hike up Gorham Mountain, where we had a brief aerial view of the coastline before the fog returned.

The trail began easily enough

But the trail degenerated to a rock scramble at the Cadillac Cliffs

This is a trail?

More of the Cadillac Cliffs “trail”

Sand beach from Gorham Mountain

When we reached the top it looked like the fog was about the clear; but, alas, it soon returned with a vengeance.

We stayed at a spectacular B&B in Bar Harbor — the Bass Cottage Inn. Located in a quiet neighborhood of grand old “cottages,” it is just a short walk to the waterfront and the town’s many shops and restaurants. The innkeepers, Jeff and Teri Anderholm, have lovingly restored the hundred-year-old summer home to its former grandeur. Their hospitality and good taste permeate the place; the public spaces and guest rooms (some with fireplaces and water views) are both elegant and welcoming; and the breakfasts were excellent. The quiet location and peaceful charm of this inn is a welcome antidote to the hurlyburly of Bar Harbor. Also highly recommended (by us, and by reports on Trip Advisor) are the two restaurants we visited for dinner:  Mache Bistro and Town Hill Bistro.